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Reducing the threat of antimicrobial resistance through a ‘One health’ approach

The OIE has been actively working on the topic of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) for several years and has published in November 2016 a coherent global strategy for its activities in this field, in line with the WHO Global Action Plan (GAP). In order to have an overview of its implementation in Member Countries and to better identify their needs and expectations regarding further OIE support, a survey was made among them. The results of this survey were presented today during the Technical Item I of the 85th OIE General Session.

Paris, 22 May 2017 – It is now acknowledged that the human medical sector, the veterinary sector and the phytosanitary sector have a shared responsibility to alleviate AMR threats. The OIE Strategy on AMR and the Prudent Use of Antimicrobials recognises the importance of a ‘One Health’ approach, encompassing human and animal health, as well as agricultural and environmental needs.

Following the adoption of the Global Action Plan on AMR in 2015 by all countries, and of the related OIE strategy on AMR, countries agreed to develop national action plans and to implement policies aimed at preventing, combatting and monitoring AMR.

The objective of the Technical Item I presented during the General Session by Dr Khadija Id Sidi Yahia, from the National Office for the Safety of Food Products (ONSSA, Morocco) was to take stock of the progress made by Member Countries in the implementation of the OIE strategy on AMR and to assess their needs in applying a ‘One Health’ approach. A questionnaire was sent to the 180 OIE Members and addressed the four main objectives of the strategy, namely: awareness-raising activities, AMR surveillance and research, veterinary services capacity building and the implementation of international standards.

The results reveal a change in practices over recent years and ambitious objectives in the medium and long-terms. In addition, they highlight the need to capitalise on the progress achieved with the first data collection on antimicrobial use, through the OIE database set up in 2016. The latter is a unique tool to acquire more comprehensive knowledge about the global use of antimicrobials in animals based upon standardised data, as well as to assess the progressive impact of the implementation of national action plans.

To capitalise on the progress made to date, the OIE will pursue the implementation of its work programme according to the four objectives of its Strategy on AMR. In addition, the Organisation will continue to promote the ‘One Health’ concept in close collaboration with its Tripartite partners, WHO and FAO, and therefore intersectoral coordination and cooperation at regional, sub-regional and national levels.

To endorse the conclusions emerging from the Technical Item, a Resolution will be put forward for adoption by the World Assembly of OIE Delegates on Friday.